24 Seven November 2017

Ed Gaelick, CLU, ChFC
HEALTH CARE TIPS THAT COULD SAVE YOU MONEY
The cost of health care can be a major
strain on a family’s budget, but is much
too important for most to go without.
Here are some ideas on how to control
expenses.
Get the right coverage. Make sure that
you are not over or under insured. If you
are young and healthy, higher deductibles
and copayments may be a simple way
to save on your premium. If you have
significant medical issues, plans with lower
deductibles and copayments are more
expensive but could reduce your overall
out of pocket costs by spending less at the
doctor’s office or hospital.
In addition, both spouses may be offered
health insurance through their employers.
If so, you may want to consider forgoing
coverage under one plan for the other.
Choose the plan that offers the coverage
your family needs and opt out of the other
employer’s plan to save on any employee
contribution.
Know where to go for care. You have
options on where to go for health care
services that require immediate attention,
so don’t assume that you are limited to
the emergency room. Health clinics can
manage ear or sinus pains, rashes and
scrapes. Urgent care centers can handle
many illnesses and injuries that used to be
taken care of only in an ER. These centers
are staffed with qualified physicians ready
to treat common infections, smaller cuts
that require stitches, sprains and even
minor broken bones (e.g., fingers & toes).
Health clinics and urgent care centers are
cost effective alternatives to the ER and
you may also avoid the long wait times
associated with an ER visit.
You should never hesitate to go to the
ER for true emergency situations. If you
experience signs of a heart attack or
stroke, a wound that won’t stop bleeding
or trauma to the head – get to the nearest
hospital immediately.
Don’t overpay for drugs. Always talk to
your doctor about your prescription. As
new drugs are created, older drugs are
released as generics. Making the switch
(when directed by your doctor) may save
you a lot of money.
Understand your benefits. Did you
know that most health insurance plans
are required to cover preventive care
like routine checkups, immunizations
and certain cancer screenings at no cost
to you? Your insurance carrier may even
have incentive programs for performing
simple wellness objectives like an annual
visit to your primary care physician or
gynecologist.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle. The best
way to keep costs down is to maintain
your health. Heavy smokers, heavy
drinkers and heavy people typically
pay more. Most insurance plans include
smoking cessation programs. Moderation
is important, so limit your alcohol intake
to special occasions. Starting an exercise
routine can seem overwhelming. Start by
walking around the neighborhood and
build from there. Eating right is also an
essential part of healthy living. Growing
a garden is a perfect way to have fun
with the whole family and integrate more
fruits and vegetables into your diet.
Lastly, a good night’s sleep should never
be underestimated.
Be sure to review your health insurance
options, have discussions with your
doctor, and inquire about any wellness
programs that might be available
because the more you know, the more
you can save.
In 1985, Ed Gaelick, CLU, ChFC, established PSI Consultants, LLC, where he specializes in life, disability, long term care insurance,
employee and executive benefits. Throughout his career, Ed has earned many of the highest professional honors awarded in the
insurance industry. www.psiconsultants.com